As Marty waits, speculation turns to Mariucci

SAN DIEGO -- If the front-office big-shots don't smooch, might
the Chargers turn to Mooch?

There was nothing new Tuesday in regards to Marty Schottenheimer
coaching general manager A.J. Smith's squad next season. While
Schottenheimer is signed, team president Dean Spanos hasn't signed
off on Schottenheimer's San Diego employment.

None of the trio were available for comment.

That allows speculation to reign, so what about Steve Mariucci
if Schottenheimer is canned? While viable in-house candidates
include coordinators Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips, would Mariucci
interest Spanos?

Those close to Mariucci, who was fired by the Detroit Lions in
2005, confirm he's interested in coaching again.

It was in San Francisco, not Detroit, where Mariucci built his
resume. As coach of the 49ers from 1997-2002, he compiled a 60-43
record, going 3-4 in four playoff appearances. Mariucci was 15-28
with the Lions.

Mariucci is familiar with owner Alex Spanos and his son, Dean.
Their association dates to the days when the 49ers held training
camp at the University of the Pacific in Stockton; Alex Spanos
lives there and contributes heavily to Dean's alma mater.

But flirting with Mariucci and others is premature until
Schottenheimer's status is determined.

Despite a franchise-best 14 regular-season wins and two AFC West
titles in three years, Schottenheimer is on the hot seat. Sunday's
devastating playoff loss to New England sank his postseason mark to
5-13, including 0-2 with the Chargers. Schottenheimer is 47-33 in
five regular seasons in San Diego.

If Schottenheimer is out, he might be in at Miami or Pittsburgh,
where his 200 regular-season wins look impressive. If so, it
lessens the Chargers' financial hit of some $3 million on the final
year of Schottenheimer's contract.

In other coaching news, the Dolphins contacted Cameron after the
Chargers' postseason pratfall regarding a second interview for
their opening.

Also, rookie left tackle Marcus McNeill was added to the Pro
Bowl roster, replacing the injured Willie Anderson. McNeill joins
nine of his teammates for the Feb. 11 game in Hawaii.